Along the Contoocook #3

The sun unlocks and scatters

a cover of dark clouds

that seem to portent rain,

as a cluster of ducks

paddle slowly up the river

in this sultry season.

After the parting, a time

of missing you lessens

when the late afternoon sun

illuminates the forest trees

and soft winds ruffle the leaves

that shimmer in the fading light.

The memory of love overtaken

by the brilliant beauty of the day.

Lainie Senechal